Arizona flu cases are on the rise
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Influenza cases in Arizona increased 25% this week compared to last, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Arizona saw a massive wave of flu cases back in November and December. At the peak of the outbreak, the state was reporting over 5,000 flu cases per week — more than 10 times the average for that time of year. Caseloads dropped off quickly by January. But cases have been rising again over the past month.
Arizona reported 382 cases this week, which is about 12% higher than what’s expected for this time of year.
It’s a little unusual, but Dr. Kirin Raman, division medical director with the division of preparedness at the Arizona Department of Health Services, said it’s not necessarily concerning.
“There’s two types of influenza, type A and type B. Type B has a tendency to rise later in the season, and so that’s what we’re seeing," Raman said.
This time last year, cases were rising, too. In fact, flu cases in Arizona reached their highest point in the 2021-2022 flu season in late May.
“Last year’s pattern was completely different than what we normally see,” Raman said.
Raman attributes last year's late-season peak to changing behaviors in response to the pandemic — people were starting to socialize more and take off masks in public. She doesn't expect to see a similar spring surge this year. Nor does she expect this recent rise in cases to reach anywhere near the peak Arizona experienced this winter.
But Raman said common-sense health practices like washing hands and staying home when sick are still important. And, she noted, flu shots are still available and a good idea for anyone who hasn’t had one yet this season.
